While fast fashion still dominates, investments never go out of style

Being on a budget is quite common for students, meaning frequent shopping in fast fashion stores like Forever 21 and Zara seem to be our go-to. For many things in our wardrobe, such as T-shirts, super trendy pieces or active wear, fast fashion retailers are not bad options. There are pieces, that are worth splurging on, though. Paying the big bucks for a high-quality item will definitely be worth it, as it will last longer and become a staple in your closet.

A leather jacket

Outerwear is generally something that we should spend a bit more money on, and a leather jacket is a staple that is worth the splurge. A high quality leather jacket can last a long time, insuring that you won’t have to go out and buy a ton of replacements. Not only do cheaper leather jackets generally look very fake, they aren’t meant to last in our closets. A leather jacket is a great piece that can be easily thrown on top of any outfits. Whether you’re wearing a dress or jeans and a T-shirt, a leather jacket looks great with it. The versatility alone is a great reason to splurge on this jacket, and it can easily turn into your favorite and most worn piece. The prices for a good quality leather jacket can start in the hundreds, and work upward to the thousands. This means you can find something that you’ll love within your splurge range. For those that don’t want real leather, there are plenty of vegan leather options that are still great quality and look as authentic as the real thing.

The classic LBD

The little black dress is a classic that everyone needs in their closet. A little black dress is almost always a go-to when dressing for events, and it’s easy to understand why. This dress can be paired with any type of shoe or accessories, and can be modified to look appropriate for a black-tie event or just a night out with friends. Having a great quality LBD is a must, as it can be worn over and over again, and it won't be noticeable as there are so many ways to style the versatile frock. Since these pieces are worn to multiple events, we don’t want a dress that’s going to have threads coming out or the zipper break in the middle of getting ready to go out. The best part of the little black dress is the huge variety of silhouettes, lengths and materials that it can come in. Places like Nordstrom and Bloomingdales have so many options, so you’ll be leaving happy with your splurge.

A thick sweater

We don’t have to splurge on all of our sweaters, but having one quality knit is a great decision to make. Cheaply made sweaters can easily have threads pull out or they may not keep you as warm during the winter months. A thick sweater, especially made out of wool or cashmere, is something worth the money. The versatility of sweaters are endless, with the option of pairing them with pants or throwing them on top of a collared shirt. This item will definitely be put to good use when the weather is cold, and for many seasons after that. Since the weather is starting to warm up, we can actually get this splurge with a deal! Stores are changing their clothing to gear toward summer, so the winter clothes that are available are discounted. It’s splurge-worth quality without the splurge.

A durable handbag

Many of us keep our entire lives in our bags, so having a durable one that’s going to last is super important. A Forever 21 bag can’t handle us stuffing it to the brim every day for too long, but a high quality one can. When thinking of splurging on a bag, many think of a Louis Vuitton Neverfull or a Givenchy Antigona. While those bags are great options if they're in your splurging limit, there are other bags that are worth the splurge at a lower price point. Brands like Kate Spade or Tory Burch offer high quality bags that many of us can easily save for. Bags can suffer a lot of wear and tear, but splurging on a bag can prolong the lifetime, ultimately saving you time and money since you don’t have to constantly buy a new one.

While fast fashion is a great option for many things in our wardrobe, there are definitely some pieces worth investing in. Create a budget for your splurge and see all of the things that fit into that price range. You might be surprised at all of the high quality items that would go great in your closet. These pieces will go a long way.